Recently named a Buffalo gem in American Style magazine for the innovative programming it provides, the Burchfield-Penney Art Center is turning the tables yet again on traditional dinner parties with its eighth annual Artful Table series. From July 13 to December 6, 15 distinctive social gatherings will take place to celebrate the Burchfield-Penney Art Center's 35th anniversary, and to pay tribute to Charles E. Burchfield, the watercolor artist for whom the museum is named.



Each party will have a unique theme guided by the season in which it takes place, and will incorporate the fascination Burchfield had with nature into cultural presentations of food, art, music and panel discussions. Between eight and 50 guests will be accommodated depending on the event, and each will be fully serviced with gourmet food and drink. Participants will join party hosts, who will not be told beforehand who their guests will be, to take part in festivities ranging from a multimedia art installation on the lakeshore of Canada to an exclusive private showing of one of Burchfield's most renowned works.



"The experiences provided for guests are truly once-in-a-lifetime," said Mary Joy Buscemi, Burchfield-Penney Art Center special event coordinator and Artful Table organizer for the past four years. "The tables combine cultural offerings with personal touches of gourmet elegance creating exclusive chances to experience the best of what Buffalo's art community has to offer."



Other tables include an intimate lunch for 10 with Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello followed by an architectural tour of City Hall; food stations nestled among the mums at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens; a day gate pass to the Chautauqua Institution including lunch and guided tours; wine tasting at a fireside chat with Burchfield scholars; and many more.



Please see below for a full description of Artful Table dates and events. Prices range from $50 to $100, and participants are encouraged to attend more than one table. Reservations will be taken on a first-received basis, and can be made by fax, e-mail, mail, or phone. Reservations by phone are recommended so that availability of your first choice can be determined immediately. For further information or to place a reservation, please call Mary Joy Buscemi at (716) 878-4077, fax at (716) 878-5329, or e-mail at buscemmj@buffalostate.edu.



Artful Tables:

No. 1

Wednesday, August 7, 4 p.m., East Aurora

13 guests

Sunflowers and Chamber Music

Roycroft Campus Walking Tour

This Arts and Craft event begins with a walking tour of the National Landmark Roycroft campus.

High Tea will be served at the Roycroft shops and will include a meal of hearty soup, elaborate tea sandwiches, Roycroft's claret, lemonade, sherry and Aunt Kitty's punch.

Our journey will include a special visit to the historic Alex Fournier House for homemade scones, jams and assorted teas.

This will be followed by a beautiful chamber music concert at St. Mathias Episcopal Church designed by Robert North.

Elegant desserts and champagne will be served at the beautifully restored Roycroft Inn.

$80.00 per person

Hosts

Kitty Turgeon and Christine Peters

Casual Walking Attire



No. 2

Saturday, July 13, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Chautauqua

12 guests

Glorious Chautauqua Gardens

A Walking Tour of The Institution

Enjoy a lovely summer lunch at the historic Athenaeum Hotel at the Chautauqua Institution, followed by a guided walk to some of the glorious gardens to discover blooms, birds, and butterflies not unlike those that inspired Charles E. Burchfield's paintings.

This afternoon will include a day gate pass to the Institution, a docent tour and late afternoon refreshments on Audrey's porch.

$85.00 per personests

Visit an Artist Studio

Meet artist Bob Budin in his artist studio. Enjoy a private tour of his collection then savor the flavor of a marvelous meal prepared by Other Woman Catering, served in his studio.

First Course

Fresh Pineapple and Bell Pepper Gazpacho

Main Course

Cold Poached Salmon Fillet with Citrus Glaze topped with Creme Fraiche and a Feather Of Dill

Garlic Crustini with Parmesan

Wild Rice with Fresh Peas

Asparagus Tips with Lemon Parmesan Sauce

Dessert Course

A Very Special Strawberry and Blueberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream

Coffee and Tea

$100.00 per person

Hosts

Bob and Mary Ann Budin

Artfully Casual Attire



No. 4 - SOLD OUT

Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m., Derby

26 guests

Wildflowers And A Full Moon

Enjoy a cocktail on the deck or in the tree house overlooking a marvelous wildflower garden. See 200 nesting purple martins, paint wildflowers on the resident buffalo, then have a lovely meal and watch the full moon come up over a country paradise.

First course

Full bar and wine with hors d'oeuvres

Dinner Course

Best-ever Barbequed Chicken

Homemade Cornbread

Wildly delicious accompaniments

Dessert selection with coffee

$85.00 per person

Hosts

Langley and Ross Kenzie

Artfully Casual



No. 5

Thursday, July 25, 6:30 p.m., Canada

10 guests

Music, Water and Wine

Enjoy a divine lobster dinner while listening to the musical sounds of the water and watching the beautiful Canadian sunset at Bertie Bay.

This surely will be a relaxing evening filled with music, water and wine on the Canadian shore with friends of the Burchfield-Penney Art Center.

$100.00 per person

Hosts

Lana and Howard Benatovich

Elegant Beach Attire



No. 6 - SOLD OUT

Thursday, August 8, 6:30 p.m., Buffalo

8 guests

Burchfield Unplugged

Ted and Marlene will prepare an awesome meal in their lovely Forever Elmwood District home in Buffalo, New York.

Appetizer Course

Mussels in Curry Cream Sauce

Dinner Course

Grilled Swordfish with Corn Salsa

Baby Spinach with a Touch of Fresh Fruit

Wild Long Grain Rice with a Medley of Grilled Summer Vegetables

Dessert Course

Creme Carmel

Coffee and Tea

$100.00 per person

Hosts

Ted Pietrzak and Marlene Langdon

Summertime Casual Attire



No. 7

Friday, August 23, 6:00 p.m., Canada

24 guests

Audio Visual and Taste Sensation

In the true Burchfield spirit, this extraordinary multi-media event on the lakeshore in Canada is sure to please. The electronic art installation will include digital, electronic and video performances. Then sit back and enjoy a meal you won't forget, created by this dynamic team!

$75.00 per person

Hosts

Don and Camille Metz

Tim and Carolyn Hunt

Seaside Chic Attire



No. 8 - SOLD OUT

Sunday, August 25, 12:30 p.m., Buffalo

8 guests

Queen Anne's Lace

Enjoy conversation and brunch prepared by celebrated chef and author Cornelius O'Donnell.

Passed Course

Kier Royal or Champagne

Smoked Salmon on Brown Bread Points

with Cream Cheese, Capers and thinly sliced Onions

From The Buffet

Chicken Browned Hash

Soft Scrambled Eggs and Chives

Chilled Seasonal Fruits

Assorted Breads

Dessert

Ice Wine with fresh Peaches

& Queen Anne's favorite Chocolates

$50.00 per person

Elegantly Hosted by

Peter Wolfe and Anne Forrester

Shabby Chic Attire



No. 9

Sunday, September 22,11:00 a.m., Java Center

36 guestsireside chat with artist Catherine B. Parker, Burchfield scholar Nancy Weekly, Beaver Hollow Director Kathy Snyder Egan and hostess Cindy Abbott-Letro.

Wine Tasting Course

New York State Wines

Bruschetta and Crudites Display

Passed Canapes

Soup Course

Potato and Garlic Bisque

with a Gorgonzola Smeared Crouton

Entree

Field Green Salad

Medallions of Beef with Madeira sauce on a bed of Frizzled Potatoes, accompanied by Roasted Baby Root Vegetables

Fresh Baked Breads and Rolls

Autumn Dessert Course

Warmed Fresh Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

Freshly Brewed Coffees and Teas

$85.00 per person

Hosts

Cindy Abbott and Francis Letro

Autumn Casual Attire



No. 10 - SOLD OUT

Monday, September 23, 11:00 a.m., Buffalo

10 guests

First Days Of Autumn

September Day

An autumn-inspired lunch will be served with the Honorable Anthony Masiello, on this spectacular day in autumn.

Enjoy lunch in the Mayor's Executive Chambers, followed by an architectural tour of City Hall directed by David Granville

$75.00 per person

Host

Honorable Anthony M. Masiello

Mayor, City of Buffalo

Business Attire



No. 11

Thursday, September 26, 5:30 p.m., Buffalo

40 guests

September Sunlight

Share a very special September evening with hosts Jay and Kathy Ferrari as they treat you to a viewing of their Charles E. Burchfield painting, September Sunlight. Honored guest Dr. Edna M. Lindemann will share her tales as first director of the Burchfield Center and friend to Charles E. Burchfield.

An artistic array of passed hors d'oeuvres

Soup and Salad Course

French Brie Bisque painted with a Spinach Creme

Wild Friscee with Oak Leaf Greens, sliced Avocado and Oranges, topped with a Poppy Seed Vinaigrette and Fresh Pansies

Intermezzo Course

Ginger Sorbet over shaved Ice with a Sprig of Mint

Entree Course, Choose

- Rack of Lamb with Peppercorn Mint Crust

- Tenderloin of Beef stuffed with Spinach and Goat Cheese

- Boned Breast of Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce

Dessert Course

Lemon Charlotte with Fresh Raspberry Sauce

Deep Chocolate Molten Cake with Raspberry

Pianist Jim Calabrese, Soundscape

$100.00 per person

Hosts

Kathryn and Jay Ferrari

Gallery Attire



No. 12

Sat. October 19, 10:30 a.m. West Seneca

20 guest

Wet Your Palette/Whet Your Palate

Rita Argen Auerbach will provide an autumnal immersion in watercolor painting. The Center's wooded, creekside setting is located across from Burchfield's home in West Seneca, the very source of inspiration for numerous of his watercolor paintings. Demonstration, instruction, and group critique offer a perfect Auerbach infused Burchfield-esque experience.

Enjoy lunch from Schwabl's Restaurant, famous for their Roast Beef on Weck.

A suggested supply list will be sent; supplies are not included.

$85.00 per person

Host

Rita Argen Auerbach

Painters Attire



No. 13

Saturday, November 9, 6:00 p.m., Buffalo

50 guests

Flowers and Leaves

Shades of Autumn

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is the setting for this marvelous music and mum event. Mum's the word? enjoy 2000 possible varieties of flower form (cushion and standard forms), from pom-poms, quill, spoon, and daisies, to anemone, football, and fugi types.

Dr. David Headley, Director of the Gardens, will be on hand to share his knowledge of the many mum varieties as the Botanical Gardens celebrates their 96th annual chrysanthemum show.

The fine chefs at Oliver's will prepare a palate of passed hors d'oeuvres, and food stations will be nestled among the muends. Tour our private collections, mingle and have an anniversary toast with us.

-FABULOUS ART

-GREAT DRINKS

-FOOD FOR THE SOUL

-GROOVING TO THE MUSIC

-GOOD FRIENDS

$65.00 per person

Hosts

Friends at the Burchfield-Penney Art Center

Artistic Attire



No. 15

Friday, December 6, 6:00 p.m., Buffalo

24 guests

An American Watercolorist: A Reading from the Journals

of Charles Burchfield

This is the newest hot place to be on the Buffalo State campus. Join us at this newly renovated campus facility. Campus House, which will open this fall, was designed as a "teaching laboratory" for our hospitality students.

Campus House, built in 1930 as a residence, housed three former college presidents and their families, including Harry W. Rockwell. This historic site will be the winter backdrop for this last Burchfield-inspired artful table.

The spoken word will be the highlight for this evening event as a celebrated actor reads from the journals of Charles E. Burchfield. A sit-down dinner will surely warm your soul on a chilly December night.

$100.00 per person

Hosts

Howard and Leslie Zemsky

Club House Casual Attire